17 Dec 2011

Euro reps won't be playing the Olympics for Great Britain

12:45 pm on 17 December 2011

The Football Association says England players called up for next year's European Championships tournament will not be selected to represent Britain at the London Olympics.

Great Britain's head coach Stuart Pearce has moved to allay the fears of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and his Premier League counterparts, who are worried that players could burn out if they took part in the Olympics and Euro 2012.

Pearce says it's a sensible football decision when you consider the demands on players, and it now leaves no room for doubt for players and their clubs about next summer and the two major tournaments.

Euro 2012 is scheduled for June 8th to July 1st while the Olympic tournament runs from July 25th to August 11th.

Britain is fielding a team at the Games for the first time since 1960 and Pearce says he will soon notify the players who could be called up, most of whom will be under 23.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, none of whom have qualified for Euro 2012, have voiced their disapproval of a united British team at the London Olympics because they are worried about their national identities in the world game.